Building a Garage ? A Great Way to Expand Your Living Space ...

If building a garage seems like a good idea for your next home improvement project, read this article carefully. The end product of any new construction should add value to your home and hopefully be a good experience. Following are some steps to take to ensure both outcomes.

1. Be sure that you know exactly why you are building a garage

- Do you need more (or more secure) parking for your vehicles

- Do you need more storage space (or a combination of parking and storage)

- Do you want an area for hobbies or a home workshop (e.g. auto mechanics, woodworking, furniture refinishing, sewing, building model planes, etc.)

- Do you want extra living space such as a bedroom for your youngest child who is going to a local college next year, a music or art studio, or a private home office

You can go in a dozens directions when building a garage. It is important to be clear about what you need and want to avoid wasting time, effort and money or the opposite ? to overspend unnecessarily. The goal is to have a finished space that meets your needs.

2. Decide how you want the space finished

In order to choose the best type of garage building plans, you will need to keep in mind the intended use and the desired finish for each section of the garage. Will you need bare bones, moderate, or luxurious plans? Some factors (but not all) that should be considered are:

- Walls and ceiling ? exposed beams, sheet rock (painted or unpainted), insulation, sound-proofing

- Flooring ? sealed, heated, carpeted, wood, etc.

- Electrical wiring and plumbing requirements

- Heating and/or air conditioning (HVAC)

- Number of windows and doors (How much light and accessibility do you want)

- Other amenities ? special lighting, compact kitchen, washer/dryer, workbench, secure storage

- Style of the exterior (architectural style should match your home)

3. Understand city building ordinances and obtain all necessary permits

Do not skip this step when building a garage! If you do, you can pay dearly for it down the road. If you use a contractor, they will probably take care of this step for you. But, we recommend that you know the rules and abide by them.

4. Find a good set of garage building plans

You will need a good set of building plans to get estimates on materials and to obtain bids from contractors (even if you think you may build it yourself). The estimates will help you decide if you want to go ahead with the plans you have chosen, or if you need to make some kind of adjustment. They will also help you decide who should build it ? you or a contractor.

Suppliers will be able to provide an estimate on materials much faster if you are able to give them a materials list. This is often included in a good set of building plans.

5. Decide who will be doing the work

Being your own contractor can be very tempting and if successful, it can bring a lot of personal satisfaction. However, a word of caution . . . do not take on the project unless you have the skills and experience, plus the time to do it well. Poor construction, sloppy work, or a half-built garage is far worse than no garage.

Even if you decide to do it yourself, hire subcontractors to do the work that you are not licensed to do, and most likely should not do, such as electrical wiring, plumbing, siding, and roofing.

If you can afford it and choose wisely, hiring a general contractor is the easy way to build a garage. With a complete set of good building plans, the contractor will take care of everything and be finished before you know it, if all goes well. It is important for you to check in regularly to see how things are going.

The suppliers who provide your materials estimates can give you names of reputable contractors if you don?t personally know one. It is likely that the same contractor?s name will come up more than once, and should be the one(s) you interview first.

One last thought ? When building a garage, don?t skimp on space! If you can make it bigger . . . make it bigger!

Susan J. Sumner has been an interior designer for many years. Remodeling and home improvement are her specialties. Visit her newest website Garage Building Plans. While you are there, also check out Garage Plans With Loft.

Source: http://roofingrepairatlanta.net/building-a-garage-a-great-way-to-expand-your-living-space/

theo epstein darknet james ray williston nd williston nd mists of pandaria mists of pandaria